Audi Q3 F3 vs BMW iX1 U11

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 (F3), on the MQB A2 platform.

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid if you want 380 litres of boot space and city EV driving — ideally models from 2021 onwards.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs xDrive30 · Electric

	Audi Q3	BMW iX1
Power	150 hp	313 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	494 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	5,6 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	150,1 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	0 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	—

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	BMW iX1
Boot	530 L Winner	490 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.495 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m	2,69 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,50 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	17,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	11,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	BMW iX1
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	FAAR (electric)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	Single-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Electric
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

Infotainment software bugs on early cars
DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
DPF/AdBlue on diesels with mainly short trips

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

Pros

Audi Q3

45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
2.0 TDI (40): 190 hp and 400 Nm
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments available

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

Cons

Audi Q3

6-speed manual is restricted to entry-level 35 TFSI and 35 TDI models; all others are S tronic automatic
45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid battery reduces boot space from 530 down to 380 litres

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

Driving experience

Audi Q3

Comfortable, quiet and easy to place. The Q3 rides well over poor surfaces, stays settled at motorway speed, and steers accurately with light, consistent weighting. 2.0-litre cars use quattro, which adds strong traction in wet conditions and inspires confidence. The 1.5 TFSI is adequate but nothing more; the 45 TFSI is genuinely quick; the 2.0 TDI is the best all-rounder — torquey, economical and smooth at a cruise. The S tronic is sharp around town. Body control is good for a high-riding SUV, though the Q3 is set up for comfort rather than driver involvement.

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.